My NSA Story
By Ellie B.
ballerina's feet in pointe shoes by oleg66 from Getty Images Signature Created in Canva
When I started at NSA, the last thing I expected was for it to give me the opportunity to pursue professional ballet. Originally, I started attending NorthStar because my family did not like our public schools. We chose NorthStar because of its flexibility, Christian worldview, and academic rigor. I have been dancing practically my entire life and have always loved it, but never thought pursuing it as a career was a real option. Nevertheless, during my first year at NSA, I was presented with the opportunity to attempt to make dance my career.
I train six days a week. Many days I am at the studio for four hours. I spend a lot of time practicing and training. This would not be feasible without NorthStar. NSA’s schedule (or lack of one) means I can make any day of the week at almost any time available for classes, rehearsals, performances, auditions, or anything else. During audition season every year, I can travel for auditions without worrying about missing school. I would not have been able to do any of this if I were still in public school. Attending NSA allows me to complete my class work on my time.
Being challenged academically has always been important to me. To be frank, NSA is a lot of work, and it is challenging, but I really appreciate this aspect of it. Also, since the school is accredited, it makes the college process easier. As a Christian, I have found the Christian worldview of NSA courses a nice change of pace from traditional public school. I appreciate that my classes have me thinking about how to apply my faith to all areas of my life and reflecting on difficult topics in light of my beliefs.
NSA has given me the opportunity to chase my dreams and accomplish my goals while also preparing me for any possible avenue my life could take. NSA’s accreditation and challenging academics will allow me to attend a traditional college, earn an online college degree, or follow any other path my life takes. The Christian worldview has aided in preparing me to exist as a Christian in the world. NorthStar Academy has opened up a world of possibilities for me and has been an amazing way to complete school.
Columns:👤NSA People, 🗞️Staff Stories
Ellie B. lives in Virginia, USA, with her parents, her one sibling, and her two dogs. This is her third year at NSA, and this will be her first year with the Navigator. She is in tenth grade and enjoys reading in her free time. She is a dancer with a focus on ballet and has plans to pursue it professionally in the future.